Japanese universities are adopting a more proactive approach to attracting foreign students, including the expansion of disciplines taught in English. The measures are both a financial survival strategy for higher education institutions and a response to government policy aimed at growing global talent.
While many universities are no longer as complacent as they used to be about attracting foreign students, experts say new measures must also include improved pathways for foreign students to eventually move into top positions at Japanese universities.
They should also showcase Japan as a safe place that can protect foreign students from authoritarian regimes.
The flurry of new initiatives announced since COVID to attract foreign students include the establishment of specific schools offering English medium-only programmes, the easing of visa regulations for foreign students, and plans to shift admissions to the fall in line with academic calendars in Europe and the United States. Japanese universities have traditionally started the academic year in April.
Hirofumi Yoshimura, governor of Osaka Prefecture, in February announced a decision to abolish spring admissions and make English the official language on university campuses to attract more foreign students, although no formal timetable for these plans was announced.
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